LAHORE: Pakistan is facing a growing kidney disease crisis, with nearly 30 million people about 12% of the population estimated to be affected, while more than 30,000 deaths are linked to kidney related illnesses each year, nephrologists warned on Sunday, Aug. 23 at a medical seminar in Lahore.
Experts said the real number could be even higher because kidney disease often develops quietly. Many people do not realize their kidneys are damaged until the condition reaches an advanced stage, when treatment becomes more difficult and expensive.
Prof. Dr. Ali Saqlain Haider, vice president of the Pakistan Society of Nephrology, said diabetes and high blood pressure remain among the leading causes of kidney disease in the country.
He also identified kidney stones, genetic disorders and other kidney conditions as major contributors to long-term damage. Without timely treatment, progressive kidney damage can eventually lead to kidney failure.
Doctors expressed particular concern about the widespread use of medicines without medical advice. People often take painkillers and other drugs for common illnesses without consulting a doctor.
Prolonged or unnecessary use of certain medicines can place additional stress on the kidneys and may contribute to kidney damage.
“Controlling diabetes and high blood pressure, along with timely screening, is extremely important for preventing and detecting kidney disease at an early stage,” Haider said.
He urged people to focus on prevention rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. Basic tests, including a urine examination and blood tests for urea and creatinine, can help identify kidney problems early. Doctors may also recommend an ultrasound when necessary.
Kidney disease can cause significant damage before noticeable symptoms appear, making early testing especially important for high-risk individuals.
Once the disease reaches an advanced stage, patients may need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Both treatments can be costly, complicated and difficult to access for many patients across Pakistan.
